Bezalel's name meant "in the shadow of God" and was filled with the Spirit of God granting him wisdom, understanding and skill in all crafts to design and execute the complex plans for the Tabernacle. He was gifted with doing metalwork (gold, silver, copper), stone work, wood carving and other detailed design work which was crucial for the Tabernacle.
Oholiab's name meant "father's tent and was divinely appointed to serve as the deputy architect for the Tabernacle. He crafted the details for many sacred items as well as working with fine linen and threads.
When I studied about these two men, I wondered if they were already talented or if the Spirit of God gave them this ability. I haven’t found an answer for this. I guess it doesn’t matter. God still recognized that this duo fit into His divine plan and gave them the opportunity. God either anointed these two skilled craftsmen or He supernaturally gave them the ability to do what He needed them to do. That's pretty exciting don't you think?
However it happened, they certainly took it and they ran with it. Can you imagine how these two felt about this amazing holy honor in building the Tabernacle where God would reside and meet with His people?
God can do the same with us if we are willing. He can even empower us in our jobs.
I often pray that God would make the complicated things about my job easy for me and to grant me favor - and He has many times! God can use anyone at any time that He chooses. It's exciting to know that He can use us in this way. I used to make the mistake in thinking that I had to be divinely called into some ministry in the church but I have learned that God's purpose in our abilities are not just limited to the church walls.
In whatever we do we are encouraged to "Do all things for the glory of God" (1 Corinthians 10:31). I think this is captured perfectly in the song "Do Everything" by Steven Curtis Chapman when he sings:
You're picking up toys on the living room floor for the fifteenth time todayMatching up socks, sweeping up lost Cheerios that got awayYou put a baby on your hip, color on your lips and head out the door
While I may not know you, I bet I know youWonder sometimes, does it matter at all?Well let me remind you, it all matters just as long
As you do everything you do to the glory of the One who made you'Cause He made you to doEvery little thing that you do to bring a smile to His faceTell the story of grace with every move that you makeAnd every little thing you do
Maybe you're that guy with the suit and tieMaybe your shirt says your nameYou may be hooking up mergers, cooking up burgersBut at the end of the dayLittle stuff, big stuff, in between stuffGod sees it all the same
While I may not know you, I bet I know youWonder sometimes, does it matter at all?Well let me remind you, it all matters just as long
As you do everything you do to the glory of the One who made you'Cause He made you to doEvery little thing that you do to bring a smile to His faceTell the story of grace with every move that you makeAnd everything you do
Always be open and ready for God to use what you do for His purpose. You don't have to be a preacher and you don't always have to preach a sermon to use your talents and abilities for God. Just as these two obscure men in the Old Testament answered the call, we too must be ready for His call.
